How To Cooperate With Software Developer Of Your Project Print

From personal experience, you know perfectly that your cooperation between the software developer or software development company not always meet your expectations. I will show you what to do, to pay less for the project, to receive it faster and to be 100% satisfied with the results.

I will present you some best practices that are worth using to make life easier for both you and the developers.

1. Prepare Detailed Development Request.

This part is the most important. The more information you provide to developer, the better he will understand your intentions. This is a key factor in the creation of custom software as most of the problems are caused by misunderstandings. Take an appropriate amount of time to prepare all the details regarding your project. In this way you will:

    Save your valuable time – you will not have to explain three times what you really had in mind and why the final product differs from what you expected.
    Save your money – you will simply avoid the situations in which you will have to pay for improving the finished project that does not meet your expectations.
    Avoid stress – you will have the confidence that the software will be made according to your needs and most importantly, on time.

Here’s what you can prepare:

    detailed description of assumptions and actions of your project
    API documentation
    description of your environment: system, used software etc.
    access to your system environment or equivalent system
    screenshots or movies with descriptions
    your deadlines
    any other documentation that will help developers to understand your intentions

2. Get To Know The Payment Terms.

When the objectives of the project are clear to both sides, you should familiarize yourself with payment terms to avoid any surprises. Any form of payment is good, as long as both sides are satisfied.

3. Verify And Accept SLA (Service Level Agreement).

After you determine the project details, price and form of payment, you can accept an SLA. But before that happens, stop for a moment and check again whether all details of the project have been discussed. It is very important not to make any significant changes to the project during its implementation. If you have any doubts, it is time to dispel them.

4. Thoroughly Check Beta Version Of The Project.

After the agreed time, you will receive the beta version of the product. It’s crucial to carefully check this version. You or developer of the software should test all the functionalities of the product in order to clear all doubts and find as many bugs as possible. Also check if the product has everything you need. Collect all the information together, prepare just one document with all listed bugs, problems, inaccuracies etc. and send it to developer. Remember to do everything at one go as this greatly facilitates the work of developer.

Most of all you should avoid sending multiple emails with requests of changes. Try to double check the received product to put all your comments and observations into one message to creator of software. Even if it takes you a long time, in the final effect you will save your time and money. It is always better, faster and above all cheaper, to make all the changes to the product at one go.

5. Test And Accept The Final Version Of The Project.

When the product will be fixed according to your instructions, you will receive it’s next version. Check the entire product, test the changed functionalities and report the last minor fixes to developer. Soon you will receive the final version of your product and the project can be considered complete.

Stick to these few simple rules, and your cooperation with software developer will definitely achieve the expected results.